Past Presidents Barb, Tony & Bruce provided Almost-Past-President John an energetic send-off with a novel new fund-raising idea. You had to be there to understand the symbolism of why they're catching marshmallows in pillow cases. Be sure to ask them when you see them!
Spinnings - The Debunking Edition
June 25, 2024
San Mateo Rotarians gave President John a meeting to remember as he weathered (endured?) his last turn as El Presidente with incredulity, good humor, and aplomb.
Thanks to a terrific script written by Almost-President Joan and Past President Rod, Rotarians were treated to a recap of the highlights of President John's life, both before assuming his presidency and while occupying the podium. Although he looked quite leery of the impending debunking, President-Elect Joan provided him with these encouraging words, "Don't worry. It's going to be OK."
So, President John good-naturedly sat in the Seat of Honor and witnessed quite a show! His facial expressions alternated between disbelief, horror, and relief. Not sure if Poplar Creek has ever echoed with such exuberant roars of Rotarian laughter!
By the end of the production, President John was definitely debunked & could pivot to enjoying the multitude of desserts served up by Alicia and the Poplar Creek Team.
Definitely a Debunking for the Ages!
Tom Door had the starring role as President John. The Debunking began with Tom (aka John) pounding on the Poplar Creek door, recreating John's harrowing hiking accident & rescue. Looks like Tom used more than one bottle of ketchup!
Past President Rod and PE Joan wrote the script. Rod narrated and kept the audience in stitches with his commentary on John's time as President. A cast of thousands (well, maybe ten?) gave compelling & Oscar-worthy perform-
ances!
Guess Who? President-Elect Skip made a cameo appearance in a magnificent bird costume as he re-enacted the Barrett Family's lucrative South Pacific business endeavors.
Did you know that in his youth President John sported a Mohawk? All while being the respons-
ible oldest child, taking good care of his younger siblings. Hmmm....
President John tries on the newest addition to his wardrobe - a Steven Seagal tee-shirt in honor of John's martial arts expertise.
Past President Kitty showers John (aka Tom) with gold coins to commemorate John's gift of gab in presenting every week's speaker with an identical Rotary coin as if it was the only one in existence!
Omar takes on the role of Father Oliver as President John lies in wait at the St. James Gate bar to cajole Father Oliver into joining Rotary. A hallmark of John's time as President has been many new members joining our Club. Now we know how he did it!
Why has Past President Barb donned a black raincoat when it's 80 degrees outside? Apparently President John wanted to mandate a dress code for Rotary meetings patterned after the uniforms at his school in Cambodia. White shirts & navy pants/skirts! Luckily, the Board convinced him otherwise. Whew!
At the end of the program, President John was thanked by one & all for his stellar year as President. The Club gave him a rousing ovation as he opened his gift to discover a big bottle of Maker's Mark. He didn't offer to share it, though. John thanked everyone for a terrific year and said the Club would be in great hands with President-Elect Joan. He then announced he was headed to Portugal for a well-deserved vacation!
Alicia and the Poplar Creek Team outdid themselves with an incredible array of desserts to conclude the festivities. President John had requested pie and Alicia produced chocolate, banana & cherry pies as well as chocolate and vanilla cakes. Rotarians devoured the desserts and left Poplar Creek with smiles and sugar highs! A great way to end the Rotary Year!
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose! 2 photos of our valiant tech team. The top one taken on December 5th; the bottom one on June 26th! With thanks to Jeff & Bruce for always being there to help, even if it feels likedeja vu all over again!
reminder: we're dark on tuesday, July 2. See you at rotary grove on July 9th
